Ricin Investigators Shift Focus To Different Man

05:06

April 24, 2013

Federal authorities wear hazmat suits as they search the home of Everett Dutschke, Tuesday, April 23, 2013 in Tupelo, Miss., in connection with the recent ricin attacks. (Rogelio V. Solis/AP)

Paul Kevin Curtis speaks to reporters in Oxford, Miss. after being released from custody on Tuesday, April 23, 2013. (Bert Mohr/AP)

Police have a new "person of interest" in the investigation of ricin-laced letters sent to President Barack Obama, Mississippi U.S. Senator Roger Wicker and a county judge in Mississippi.

Authorities abruptly dropped charges against Paul Kevin Curtis, who they had arrested in the case last week.

Federal authorities offered no explanation as to why they released Curtis, a 45-year-old celebrity impersonator.

The FBI is now questioning and searching the home of James Everett Dutschke, a long-time rival of Curtis, who Curtis alleges may have framed him.

Both men have a history of run ins with law enforcement — Curtis for cyber-harassment and Dutschke for child molestation and indecent exposure.

Washington Post: Charges dropped against Miss. man in ricin case as FBI searches second home

Guest:

Lenny Bernstein, editor for The Washington Post's national desk.

This segment aired on April 24, 2013.